Meta Platforms Cuts 600 AI Division Jobs to Streamline Operations and Boost Superintelligence Labs

Meta Platforms announced a significant workforce reduction, cutting approximately 600 jobs within its artificial intelligence division as part of an ongoing effort to streamline operations and enhance organizational efficiency. This latest move primarily affects legacy AI infrastructure teams, the Fundamental Artificial Intelligence Research unit (FAIR), and product-related roles, while sparing the new Superintelligence Labs, which represents the company’s strategic future in AI development.

The layoffs were communicated by Alexandr Wang, Meta's Chief AI Officer, who joined the company in June following its $14.3 billion partnership with Scale AI. In an internal memo, Wang emphasized that these changes would reduce internal friction, enabling remaining team members to have greater impact and increased responsibilities as Meta aims to accelerate innovation and decision-making.

Superintelligence Labs, recently established after the acquisition of Scale AI, remains largely untouched by the cuts, signaling CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s confidence in the division’s fresh talent and direction. The lab focuses on cutting-edge AI research and development, seeking to position Meta competitively against peers like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic.

Meta’s move comes amid broader restructuring efforts described by Zuckerberg as a "year of efficiency," aimed at removing bureaucracy and layering management to sharpen focus on high-priority AI projects. The company is continuing to invest heavily in AI, including hiring top-tier talent despite the layoffs.

Reportedly, some affected employees were strong contributors who faced cuts as Meta shifts focus toward new AI models and infrastructure, notably after a disappointing reception of its latest Llama AI model compared to competitors. Though layoffs have shaken parts of the legacy AI teams, Meta offers severance packages and the chance for affected employees to explore other roles within the company.

This strategic realignment reflects the wider AI industry’s competitive landscape, emphasizing rapid innovation and leaner organizational structures to lead in artificial intelligence advancements.